MV Switch Operation Clearance

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bcorps

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Evansville, IN
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Engineer
I have a 12,470V (7.2kV to ground) enclosed bolted pressure switch on a campus. The front is completely unobstructed. They are installing a generator behind it, inside a wooden concealing fence; i.e. no "live or grounded" obstructions towards the back of the switch. So, my first take is that electrically speaking (Table 110.34(A)), it only needs 30 inches between the back of the switch enclosure and the fence. However, the owner is saying it requires extra clearance because the enclosure has a charging handle through the side of the enclosure, and it could "kick" while trying to open/close it. They're suggesting 5 feet working clearance, but honestly, I've never run across a specific required number for clearance needed to physically operate a switch...based on pure mechanical characteristics alone.

Any experience with this?
 
Can you send some pics of the BPS and spring charging handle area or the Data Nameplate of the equipment so we can get a better idea of what you have? Most BPSs I have encountered have the charging handle mounted on the front of the door not "through the side of the enclosure" so having trouble picturing this one.
 
Here is the switch. You can see the flange that they bolt the handle to when they want to open/close it. I do not have any other information, such as part numbers.

1639079573078.png
 
This looks like a utility grade BPS of which I have no experience with. I am used to the Pringle or Boltswitch units.
But from the pic I see a LOTO lock and hasp to secure the door that opens on hinges. The door looks like it is
approx 60 inches wide so wouldn't you need at least that much clearance to open the door for proper access to the switch?
 
The "front" of the switch is to the other side. This handle is not the side you would open up, but it is the side you operate the switch with. Yes, it's a totally new one on me as well.
 
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